Breadcrumb
- Home
- Medications
- Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Enema - Rectal
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Enema - Rectal
Topic Contents
Pronunciation: SOE-dee-um POL-ee-STYE-reen SUL-foe-nate
Common Brand Name(s): Solystat
Important: How To Use This Information
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Uses
This medication is used to treat a high level of potassium in your blood. Too much potassium in your blood can sometimes cause heart rhythm problems. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate works by helping your body get rid of extra potassium.
How To Use
Read the product instructions and directions from your doctor or pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Shake the bottle well before using.
You may warm the suspension container to body temperature; however, do not heat this medication because doing so may change how well it works.
Follow instructions for the use of a cleansing enema before using this medication.
Use sodium polystyrene sulfonate rectally as an enema as directed by your doctor, usually every 6 hours as needed. Keep the enema in the rectum for several hours, if possible.
Use a non-sodium-containing cleansing enema after each dose as directed.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not use more of this medication or use it for longer than directed because your potassium blood level may drop too low.
Keep all laboratory and medical appointments so your doctor can check your potassium blood level.
Side Effects
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or constipation may occur. Less frequently, diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- muscle weakness/spasms
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (such as irritability, confusion, slowed thinking)
- swelling hands/ankles/feet
This medication may cause serious (rarely fatal) intestinal problems (such as bleeding, blockage). Get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur:
- severe constipation
- bloating/swelling/pain in the stomach/abdomen
- black/bloody stools
- vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
- inability to move your muscles (paralysis)
- seizures
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using sodium polystyrene sulfonate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication contains a large amount of salt (sodium). Do not use salt substitutes that contain potassium without asking your doctor first. If you have any of these conditions, follow your doctor's instructions for limiting the amount of sodium in your diet:
- kidney problems
- heart failure
- high blood pressure
- swelling hands/ankles/feet
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- stomach/intestine/bowel problems (such as inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, chronic constipation, fecal impaction)
- low level of potassium in the blood
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for severe constipation.
This medication must not be given by mouth to newborns, especially premature infants. Also, newborns with slow gut function must not use this drug. Caution is advised when using this medication rectally in newborns and children. They may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially severe constipation and intestinal problems.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.
This medication does not pass into breast milk and is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Do not use any laxatives that contain sorbitol with this medication. Doing so may increase your risk of intestinal problems. See also Side Effects section.
Overdose
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: mental/mood changes, muscle weakness, fast/irregular heartbeat, slowed breathing, paralysis.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood levels of potassium and other minerals, EKG) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store tightly closed at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised August 2021.
Copyright(c) 2021 First Databank, Inc.
Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed ata provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information in not intend to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed in indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Speak to a Pharmacist
HealthLinkBC Files
HealthLinkBC Files are easy-to-understand fact sheets on a range of public health and safety topics including disease prevention and immunizations.
Find Services and Resources
If you are looking for health services in your community, you can use the HealthLinkBC Directory to find hospitals, clinics, and other resources.